Ancient Wonders of the Nile
A river voyage from Cairo to Aswan aboard the SS Misr
- 19 March 2019
- 20 October 2019
- 25 February 2020
- 22 March 2020
- 13 October 2020
- 8 November 2020
Discover the intriguing ancient history of Egypt during this cruise along the stretch of the Nile between Cairo and Aswan aboard the elegant SS Misr. Beginning in Cairo we will see the impressive pyramids and the Great Sphinx as well as some distinctive Egyptian art and treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Egyptian Museum. We then continue along the Nile visiting some of the less famous but historically important sites including Beni Hassan private tombs which, through superb wall paintings, provide a panorama of daily life in Egypt four thousand years ago from the leisure pursuits of the elite to workers in vineyards or children playing games. We also visit Abydos and Dendera temples and Tel El Amarna where you can survey the ruins of the temples and palaces of King Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti.
Pharaohs and queens of Ancient Egypt sailed often on the River Nile in luxurious royal boats – by far the most rewarding way to see the landscape and monuments of their realm. Evoking this regal way of travel, we will travel at a gentle speed aboard the SS Misr which is essential to be able to drink in the rhythm of life and scenes which have changed little over hundreds of years on the banks of the Nile. Accompanying us will be excellent local guides and our expert Guest Speaker who will greatly enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of this ancient land.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Misr
Originally constructed in Preston by the Royal Navy in 1918, the SS Misr was purchased and later converted into a luxury Nile steamer for King Farouk. Now fully restored to a five-star deluxe propeller steam vessel, she accommodates just 44 passengers in spacious, air-conditioned cabins and suites. Misr means ‘the Kingdom of Egypt’ and the décor throughout the vessel reflects the period.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London Heathrow to Cairo, Egypt.
Fly by scheduled flight to Cairo. Upon arrival transfer to the SS Misr and embark. Moor overnight this evening in Cairo.
Day 2 - Cairo.
Today is a full day tour dedicated to the capital city of Cairo. We visit the impressive Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the tombs of the great Pharaohs and their queens. After lunch we visit the Egyptian museum, situated at Tahrir square, with 107 halls that are separated into seven sections. The museum houses statues, jewels and treasures of Tutankhamun. We will visit the Amarna Room and see the Fayoum portraits and monuments from the later periods from the Greeks and the Romans. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome cocktail party. Moor overnight in Cairo.
Day 3 - Cruising.
Enjoy a relaxing day on board as we cruise to Beni Suef where we will moor overnight.
Day 4 - Beni Suef & Minya.
This morning we visit the Maydom pyramid which is dedicated to the King Snefru of the 4th dynasty. We return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon sailing to Minya. Moor overnight in Minya.
Day 5 - Tuna El Gebel, Ashmunein & Beni Hassan.
Our touring today begins with a visit to Tuna El Gebel and Ashmunin, where the oldest monument is a boundary stela of Akhenaten and Nefertiti. The site is best known for its animal necropolis housing thousands of mummified baboons and Ibis sacred to Thoth. We continue to Ashmunein (Hermopolis Magna): known in ancient times as “Khemenu”, or the “City of the Ogdoad”, referring to the eight primeval gods who, according to ancient Egyptian Mythology, created the world. Today, the site houses the ruins of the Temple of Thoth, Temple of Amun, a small open air museum displaying two massive statues of “Thoth” as a baboon. There are also some remains of a Roman Christian Basilica, which was built over the site of an earlier Ptolemaic temple. The structure retains most of its granite columns and it is the only basilica to have survived to this degree of preservation anywhere in Egypt. After lunch on board, we continue our tour to the Middle Kingdom tombs at Beni Hassan, an ancient Egyptian cemetery site, located south of Minya. The necropolis of Beni Hassan reflects the political differences between the provinces rulers and the Pharaohs kings. Due to the layout and more complex decorations the tombs mark a transition stage in the style of the tombs from the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom. Moor overnight in Minya.
Day 6 - Tel El Amarna.
Today we start the day with a tour to Akhenaten’s royal city, tomb and palace at Amarna, it is here we visit the tombs of Ahmose, Pentu, Panehesy and the Royal tomb of Akhenaten. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing on board. Moor overnight in Tel El Amarna.
Days 7 & 8 - Cruising.
A relaxing interlude to our journey. Spend time on deck enjoying the passing scenery and attend a lecture or two by our Egyptologist.
Day 9 - Abydos Temple.
This morning we arrive in Balyana. After breakfast, we transfer to the temple that the Greeks called the Memnonium in Abydos, dedicated to Seti, Osiris, Isis, Ptah, Ptah- Sokar, Nefertem, Re-Horakhty, Amun and Horus. Its structure, built of white limestone is one of the most impressive religious structures in Egypt. Return to the ship this afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure on board.
Day 10 - Dendera Temple.
After breakfast, this morning is dedicated to the goddess Hathor as we visit the Dendera Temple, also known as the ‘castle of the Sistrum’. Hathor was the goddess of love, joy and beauty and the Dendera Temple was associated with healing. Spend a leisurely afternoon on board sailing to Luxor where we will moor overnight.
Day 11 - Luxor.
Today we visit the West Bank, one of the most famous and important archaeological sites in the world. See the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs for a period of 500 years. The tombs vividly depict the journey of the sun god and pharaoh through the dangers of the underworld. In the temple of Queen Hatshepsut you will discover scenes commemorating the reign of this exceptional monarch such as the ambitious voyage where she sent her ships on the Red Sea to the mysterious land of Punt. We stop at the Colossi of Memnon to witness the two imposing 18 metre high quartzite seated statues which marked the entrance to the now vanished memorial temple of the pharaoh Amenhotep III whose reign in the 14th century BC was one of the most opulent in Egyptian history.
Day 12 - Luxor.
This morning we visit the temples of Karnak, one of the most memorable and popular historical areas to visit in the world. Here you will witness the unbelievably vast array of monuments dedicated to Amun-Ra, king of the gods, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu. Just two of the highlights you will see are the great hypostyle hall with over 130 columns some 22 metres high and the obelisk of the powerful queen pharaoh Hatshepsut. To conclude our tour we will visit the illuminated Luxor temple, situated on the east bank of the river Nile. This evening enjoy a Galabya party on board as we sail to Edfu and moor overnight.
Day 13 - Edfu & Kom Ombo.
Today we visit the Edfu Temple, an ancient Egyptian temple that is set on the west bank of the Nile and is said to be one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the Falcon god Horus and built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. Set sail this afternoon to Kom Ombo and after lunch we depart for a visit to the temple of Kom Ombo. It was mainly built during the Ptolemaic dynasty and completed under the Roman Emperors. The temple is unique because its ‘double’ design meant that there were courts, halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for the two gods worshipped here. The southern half of the temple was dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the northern part of the temple was dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris. Among the carved reliefs along the inside of the outer wall are images thought to be connected with Egyptian medicine, including displays of birthing chairs and surgical instruments.
Day 14 - Aswan.
This morning we will visit the high Dam at Aswan, considered an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s with a huge impact on the economy and culture in Egypt in the last century. Today it provides electricity and irrigation for the whole of Egypt. We continue to the temple island of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. The story of Osiris is represented on the walls of the temple, with two of its inner chambers which are rich in symbolic imagery. The temple was originally on Philae Island but because of high water levels was dismantled in 1977 and reconstructed on a nearby higher island called Algilkia. The main elements of the temple such as the two Pylons, hypostyle halls and sanctuaries were built by the Ptolemaic kings. Later the Roman rulers added the colonnades in front of the temple as well as the ceremonial entrance to the island known as Trajan’s Kiosk. After lunch we visit the Nubian Museum, due to the materials recovered from tombs, temples and settlements, UNESCO was encouraged in the 1980s to plan a Nubian museum, but it was not until 1997 that the museum opened its doors. The complex is 50,000 square metres and is enclosed by walls to evoke the traditional Nubian village architecture. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 15 - Aswan to London Heathrow.
Disembark this morning and fly by indirect scheduled flight to London Heathrow.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 19 March 2019 to 2 April 2019 • 20 October 2019 to 3 November 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 4 Twin/Double cabin on Lower/Main deck | £5095 | £4895 |
| 3 Twin/Double cabin on Upper deck | £5395 | £5195 |
| 2 Suite on Main/Upper deck | £5595 | £5395 |
| 1 Panorama Suite on Main deck | £5795 | £5595 |
| 4 Twin/Double cabin on Lower/Main deck for Sole Use | £6095 | £5895 |
| 25 February 2020 to 10 March 2020 • 22 March 2020 to 5 April 2020 • 13 to 27 October 2020 • 8 to 22 November 2020 | ||
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 4 Twin/Double cabin on Lower/Main deck | £5395 | £5195 |
| 3 Twin/Double cabin on Upper deck | £5695 | £5495 |
| 2 Suite on Main/Upper deck | £5895 | £5695 |
| 1 Panorama Suite on Main deck | £6095 | £5895 |
| 4 Twin/Double cabin on Lower/Main deck for Sole Use | £6395 | £6195 |
Tour Reference Code: RCMISRNILE
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel •14 nights aboard the SS Misr on full board basis • Wine or beer & unlimited soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions with local English speaking guides • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visa.
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Misr
Originally constructed in Preston by the Royal Navy in 1918, the SS Misr was purchased and later converted into a luxury Nile steamer for King Farouk. Now fully restored to a five-star deluxe propeller steam vessel, she accommodates just 44 passengers in spacious, air-conditioned cabins and suites. Misr means ‘the Kingdom of Egypt’ and the décor throughout the vessel reflects the period.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted you have chosen the SS Misr for your upcoming river journey along the Nile.
Originally constructed in Preston by the Royal Navy in 1918, the SS Misr was purchased and later converted into a luxury Nile steamer for King Farouk. Now fully restored to a five-star deluxe propeller steam vessel, she accommodates just 44 passengers in spacious, air-conditioned cabins and suites. Misr means ‘the Kingdom of Egypt’ and the décor throughout the vessel reflects the period. The atmosphere onboard is informal and the onboard attentive staff are always available to offer a cool beverage whilst watching the ever changing passing scenery.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
AIR CONDITIONING
All public rooms and staterooms on the ship are air-conditioned. An individual climate control allows you to regulate the temperature in your own room. For best results, keep windows closed whenever the air conditioning is switched on.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do in the event of an emergency.
ALL ABOARD
The daily programme will clearly specify the ship’s arrival and departure times in the various ports you will visit each day. When participating in shore excursions, our local guides will ensure that you return to the ship in time for departure. Should you set off to explore on your own, please return to the ship no later than the
ALL ABOARD TIME
stated in your daily programme. It is your responsibility to be aboard in time for the vessel’s departure. Always carry the ship’s contact number (noted on the contact card which you’ll receive once you embark the vessel) so you can notify the ship’s personnel should you ever need assistance while ashore.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship is equipped with a public address system. Announcements will be made only in public areas so that guests can relax in their staterooms without being disturbed. There may be times when your Tour Manager will use the public address system to inform you of information needed.
BAR/BEVERAGES
The ship’s comfortable bar offers a wide selection of drinks for purchase. Staff are trained in the Responsible Service of Alcohol and are obligated by law to refuse service to any guest who is considered to be intoxicated or behaves in an aggressive or offensive manner.
BEAUTY SALON
There is no Beauty Salon on board the vessel.
BICYCLES
No bicycles are available on board.
CABIN FACILITIES
All cabins feature a private bathroom, hairdryer, LCD TV, internal telephone, mini bar, safety deposit box and private balcony.
CABIN SIZES
• Category 4 twin/double cabins on the lower/main deck measure 21 square metres • Category 3 twin/double cabins on the upper deck measure 21 square metres • Category 2 suites on the main/upper deck measure 30 square metres • Category 1 panorama suite on the main deck measure 35 square metres
CURRENCY
The currency on board is Euros and US Dollars. All your extras will be charged to your on board account. The day before your cruise ends you will receive an invoice for any on board charges incurred (itemised invoices are available upon your request). Please review the invoice carefully before settling your bill. All on board charges will be in Egyptian pounds, payable by cash or credit card (Visa and MasterCard). Please note that pre-paid credit cards, personal cheques, travellers cheques or a cash advance from a credit card are not accepted. Credit cards from non-Egyptian banks will be charged at the exchange rate established by the bank.
DAILY PROGRAMME
The daily programme is printed on board and delivered to your stateroom each evening during dinner. It provides details of the following day’s programme, meal times and other activities.
DRESS CODE
The dress code on board the ship is casual and comfortable by day and smart casual for dinner. Kindly do not wear bathing attire in the restaurant or lounges at any time, and please be advised that shorts are not suitable for dinner. You may wish to wear your best attire for the welcome cocktail party. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for shore excursions.
DRINKS
Bottled water is available in your stateroom and is replenished daily. Bottled water will also be available with both lunch and dinner.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity on board is 220v, with 2-round pin power outlets. In case you need an adapter please contact the reception.
ELEVATOR
There is no elevator or chair lift on board.
EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION
Embarkation is approximately 16.00 hours, unless advised otherwise. The official embarkation time will be advised in your final documentation. The official disembarkation time is 09.00 hours, however your Tour Manager will provide detailed information prior to the end of the cruise. This will include departure transfer information.
EMERGENCY AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
The SS Misr was built to the highest safety standards, equipped with the latest technology, and is manned by a reliable and well-trained crew. In the unlikely event of an emergency during your cruise, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the crew. Please carefully review the safety instructions on the inside of your stateroom door and carefully read the safety information sheet which will be placed on the bed in your stateroom on the first day of your arrival, the life vests are located in the wardrobe in your stateroom. For safety reasons, the Sun Deck may be temporarily closed on certain stretches of the river with low bridges or locks. Please refrain from leaning out your stateroom balcony whenever the ship is entering or exiting a lock. We also recommend keeping your balcony closed whenever you leave your stateroom, especially while the ship is docked.
FIRE SAFETY
Should you detect fire or smoke please alert the reception desk immediately and await instructions from the crew. Please note that smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only and the use of clothing irons is prohibited. We request that you attend the fire drill on day two of your cruise.
FIRST AID
A first aid kit is available at the reception desk. Should you require further medical attention, please contact the reception desk or your tour manager immediately. Please note there is no doctor on board.
FITNESS ROOM
There is no fitness room on board the vessel.
GAMES & BOOKS
A selection of games and books is available on the ship. We kindly ask that these items be returned after you are finished using them.
LAUNDRY
A laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a form with prices can be found in the closet in your stateroom. Please fill out the form and leave it with your laundry on your bed, either in the morning or before you go to dinner. Laundered items will be returned within 24-hours. Please remember that the use of electric irons is prohibited; clothing will be ironed for you for a reasonable fee. Dry cleaning services are not available on board.
LOST PROPERTY
Any items left behind on the ship will be kept on board for one month and after this time; any unclaimed items will be given to a local charity. If we recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery and any costs incurred will be at your own expense. Please note that toiletries, undergarments or sleep wear will be discarded. During your cruise if you have lost anything please check the (lost and found desk) near the reception desk.
LOUNGE
The vessel features a large, comfortably-furnished Main Lounge, which serves as a gathering place for on board announcements, lectures and entertainment. The lounge is open 24 hours.
MEALS
All meals on board are prepared by Egyptian chefs and feature European-style dishes, all carefully selected to please a broad range of palates. Each day’s meal times are indicated in your daily programme. The times may vary according to each day’s scheduled activities and shore excursions. Breakfast is served international buffet style and you may dine any time during breakfast hours. Lunch and dinner are mixed types (buffet styles and set menus). For the buffets, there are different styles (Egyptian buffet, Italian buffet, seafood buffet). There is an open seating policy in the main restaurant and table reservations are not accepted.
MOSQUITOES
During the summer months we recommend keeping your stateroom windows and balcony doors closed to prevent mosquitoes and insects from entering. NEWSPAPERS There are no newspapers on board.
OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Sometimes it is necessary to make amendments to the itinerary, both for logistical and safety reasons. The Master of the vessel will decide if necessary.
QUESTIONNAIRES
A questionnaire will be provided to all passengers towards the end of their sailing. We would be grateful for you to complete and return this.
RECEPTION
Reception desk staff will be on duty 24 hours a day. Please feel free to contact them any time you need assistance. To call the reception desk from your cabin, dial “0”.
ROOM SERVICE
The ship will be happy to serve you in your stateroom.
SPA & MASSAGE
None on board.
SAFE
Your stateroom is equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your room. Oversized items may be stored in the ship’s safe at the reception desk. Please remember to remove all items from the safe and leave the safe open before disembarking.
SAFETY
In accordance with international law, the Captain has full control over the ship and every person on board must obey his lawful commands. Captains have the authority to take any action deemed necessary to manage situations where guests are verbally or physically disruptive towards any other person on board or otherwise causing problems during the cruise. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding such disruptions as the safety of our guests, crew and the ship remains our first priority.
SMOKING
Smoking inside the ship is a severe fire hazard. Smoking is only permitted at the rear of the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all guests on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.
SPECIAL MEALS
Requests for special meals should be made when you book your cruise. Please remind our Maître D’ of your request on the day of embarkation. The chef will try to accommodate you as much as possible, given the sometimes limited resources available on board the ship.
SUN DECK
For your safety, the Sun Deck may be temporarily closed on certain stretches of the river due to the low bridges or locks. Please follow the instructions of our nautical crew at any time.
TELEPHONE
All staterooms have telephones that can be used to call other rooms. Please dial the room number you wish to call. All outside calls should be made through the reception desk, and the cost will be charged to your room account.
TOILETRIES
In the event your luggage has been lost or delayed by an airline, please ask the reception desk staff for replacement toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors etc.
TOUR MANAGER
Although the ship does not have a Cruise Director, the ship’s professional, English-speaking guides will look after your comfort and answer questions. Please do not hesitate to contact them at any time. A Noble Caledonia Tour Manager will also accompany you on your voyage.
TOWELS
The ship aims to be an environmentally-friendly river cruise line. For this reason, towels will not be automatically changed every day. The ship asks that you put used towels on the floor of the bathroom if you wish them to be exchanged for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.
VISITORS
The ship is happy to welcome visitors on board whenever possible. Please inform the ship Manager, tour manager or the reception desk in advance.
WATER
Tap water on board is NOT potable. The ship will restock your stateroom with small bottled water on a daily basis.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) is available in some locations on board the ship. Please kindly note that service may at times be interrupted and is not always guaranteed, especially when travelling through locks and certain geographical areas.
PLEASE NOTE:
The above information is accurate and correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. Noble Caledonia accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and none of the facilities or features of the vessel described herein which are not specifically described in our advertisements and on your holiday invoice as being included in your holiday price will be deemed to be included in your holiday package. If you would like further information about the vessel or about any of your holiday arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Travelling with You
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George Hart
Following degrees in Classics and in Egyptian Art and Archaeology from University College London, he joined the staff of the British Museum in 1973. He was the Principal Lecturer on the British Museum’s antiquities collections from Egypt, Greece, the Levant and civilisations of the Mediterranean World and ran courses on Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs.
He was Chairman of the Friends of the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology for the first twelve years after its foundation in 1988 and Committee Member of the Egypt Exploration Society for a number of years. He is also an Editorial Advisor on its bulletin, Egyptian Archaeology.
Having taken early retirement from the British Museum in 2004 to devote more time to writing, he is a regular speaker on Nile cruises and cruises on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
George Hart will be on the following tour dates: 19 March 2019 to 2 April 2019 • 20 October 2019 to 3 November 2019 • 25 February 2020 to 10 March 2020 • 22 March 2020 to 5 April 2020 • 13 to 27 October 2020
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Itinerary at a glance
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Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000